WHO recommended Ukraine destroy pathogens in bio labs: report

The agency told Reuters on Thursday that before and during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, they had worked with Ukrainian public health labs for several years to enact security practices which help prevent "…accidental or deliberate release of pathogens."

WHO told the outlet, "As part of this work, WHO has strongly recommended to the Ministry of Health in Ukraine and other responsible bodies to destroy high-threat pathogens to prevent any potential spills.”

The agency did not reveal when it had made the recommendation nor provide specifics about the types of pathogens located in Ukraine's laboratories or if the safety recommendations were followed.

On Tuesday, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland told the Senate that the US is working with Ukraine to protect biological research labs as Russia continues its attacks on the Eastern European nation.

Senator Marco Rubio asked, "Does Ukraine have chemical or biological weapons?"

Nuland responded, "Ukraine has biological research facilities, which in fact we are now quite concerned Russian troops, Russian forces may be seeking to gain control of, so we are working with the Ukrainians on how they can prevent any of those research materials from falling into the hands of Russian forces should they approach."

Following Nuland's response, Rubio continued on to ask whether she would have any doubt that the Russians would be behind any potential biological or chemical attacks.

"I'm sure you're aware that the Russian propaganda, two groups already putting out there all kinds of information about how they've uncovered a plot by the Ukrainians to release biological weapons in the country and with NATO's coordination. If there's a biological or chemical weapon incident or or attack inside of Ukraine, is there any doubt in your mind that 100 percent it would be the Russians that would be behind it?" Rubio asked.

"There is no doubt in my mind, Senator, and it is classic Russian technique to blame on the other guy what they're planning to do themselves," Nuland responded.

On Wednesday, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that the US operates a biowarfare lab in Ukraine. Zakharova alleged that documents discovered by Russian forces in Ukraine showed "…an emergency attempt to erase evidence of military biological programs" by destroying lab samples.

Reuters was unable to verify the claim. A Ukrainian presidential spokesperson said in response to the claim that "Ukraine strictly denies any such allegation." US officials also denied the accusations and said that Russia may use the claims as a cover to deploy its own biological weapons.

Concern has been growing that Russia's troop movements into Ukraine and bombardment of its cities have raised the risk of an escape of disease-causing pathogens if the facilities are damaged.

According to Reuters, Ukraine's public health research laboratories have received support from the United States, the European Union and the WHO.